A Guide to Dressing Your Baby this Winter

Whether you're a new mum or you're on your second baby, dressing your baby for the winter can be a nerve-wracking experience. 

It's only natural that we want to make sure everything is covered and that your baby is kept safe from the cold as much as possible, especially with how chilly it gets in the UK during winter.

That's why we've created a guide on how to dress your baby in the winter so that you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about your little one's health. 

1. Layering for Optimal Warmth

When it comes to dressing your baby for winter, layering is essential. This builds up a barrier against the cold, helping prevent illness. 

Babies are more sensitive to cold than we are, so it's important to layer them in soft, comfortable, well-insulated clothing. Start by placing them in a vest and top or babygrow, then add a fleece jumper or cardigan on top. 

Then, choose a weather-resistant puffer coat or jacket to shield against the wind, rain, and snow. Layering helps you control your baby's temperature; if the back of their neck or chest feels hot or clammy, remove a layer to prevent overheating.

2. Prioritise Key Accessories

Keeping the extremities warm, such as the hands, feet, and head, is essential during winter, especially for small children. 

Hats, scarves, and gloves are non-negotiable items for your child's winter wardrobe. A significant amount of heat is lost through a baby's head, so choose a warm wool hat that fits tightly (but not too tight) to the heat. 

Mittens are a great choice for newborn babies who are at risk of scratching themselves. You can choose gloves that have built-in clips that attach to their clothes to prevent them from getting lost. When it comes to scarves, opt for loop scarves or neck gaiters, as they provide extra safety.

A lot of heat is also lost through the feet. Put your baby in soft, warm booties and layer them with thermal socks. 

3. Select Appropriate Fabrics

The fabrics that you choose to dress your child in are really important. Certain fabrics, such as synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic, can trap heat and irritate your baby's skin.

Instead, opt for natural fibres like wool, cotton, and bamboo. These are gentle on the skin, breathable, and keep the skin dry and your baby warm. When it comes to lightweight layers, fleece is great at trapping heat while keeping your baby comfortable.

If your child likes to move around a lot, opt for stretchy fabrics that make getting ready easier and prevent them from feeling restricted. 

4. Ensure Safety in Car Seats

When securing your child in a car seat, it's important that their clothing doesn't get in the way, threatening their safety. 

Puffy coats and jackets, like snowsuits, can create a gap between your child and the seat harness. This means in the event of a collision, the harness won't be able to keep your baby stationary. 

When driving, strip away any large outer layers from your child's body and dress them in a thin thermal onesie or a snug jumper for the meantime. Pre-warming the car and placing blankets over your child is also a great way to keep them warm. 

If your kid is wearing somewhat bulkier clothing, the car seat straps should be tight enough that you can't pinch any slack between your fingers.

5. Monitor Indoor Temperatures

Dressing your child appropriately indoors during the winter is just as important as when you leave the house.

Overheating is at a higher risk, as you'll want to bundle your child up in more clothing. But if you choose the right materials and items, you won't have to do this. At home, dress your baby in light, breathable layers, such as a onesie or cotton sleepsuit. 

If the room is cold, add a light cardigan, jumper, or blanket. If their neck or chest is warm, remove some layers; cold hands and feet are normal in babies as their circulatory systems are still developing.

Aim to keep the room temperature between 16 and 20 °C. When your baby is sleeping, place them in a sleep sack or wearable blanket, as this is more safe than a traditional blanket.

Combine Style with Functionality at Village Kids

There's no need to compromise on style or practicality when dressing your child this winter.

At Village Kids, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, stylish designer kids' clothing for children of all ages. 

From snug layers to chic winter accessories, you can browse everything you need to keep your little one warm and looking their best this season.